Top-Flight Football: 10 Major Discussion Topics from the Latest Round of Action

The most recent batch of English fixtures delivered a wealth of excitement, unexpected scores, and interesting subplots. From battles between managers to individual brilliance, we examine the major points stemming from the games.

The Chelsea Boss Holds His Own Versus A Master Tactician

The young coach's unforeseen duel with the Manchester City boss recalled thoughts of past unequal sideline contests. For McFarlane, embarking on his senior coaching bow, the task was overcoming the Blues' woeful recent record against the champions. A dramatic strike from the Argentine midfielder secured a valuable draw, something past incumbents had failed to achieve.

The Reds' Inability to Close Games Out

Despite the German playmaker finding the net, the Merseyside club ended up aggrieved after allowing a lead slip versus Marco Silva's side. The concern of not managing to control games when in the lead remains, with the squad previously letting slip identical advantages in earlier weeks. Until the team discover the art of killing off matches, the campaign is likely to stay a difficult affair.

The Arsenal Midfielder Supports The Swedish Striker to Start Scoring

The Swedish forward is experiencing a lengthy run without scoring from general play, but his midfield colleague the Gunners lynchpin is adamant the number nine is nevertheless hugely valuable. The midfielder praised his pressing and team-oriented efforts as crucial to Arsenal's form. "Good things are going to arrive," was the midfielder's confident message for his struggling colleague.

4. Amorim Requires Benjamin Sesko to Find His Edge

Given Manchester United adopting in a incredibly defensive fashion, the burden was placed on the offensive pair to produce. While the Brazilian persisted with his impressive performances, his strike partner experienced another frustrating afternoon. The young striker has scored elusive since his high-profile switch and spurned a late chance to claim the game. The new year offers a obvious requirement for Sesko to regain his scoring touch.

Enzo Le Fée Puts Spurs in a State of Confusion

The Sunderland manager used Enzo Le Fée in a deeper role to start, before releasing him further forward as the game developed. The move turned out to be masterful, with he becoming the chief creator of his team's push for an leveler. After directing the post, the midfielder supplied a exquisite through ball for the crucial finish. Having fully adapted to the intensity of the top flight, his campaign keeps improving.

The West Ham Manager Fails to Take Chance to Introduce New Signing

In a woeful defeat for the London club, boss the Portuguese coach chose against introduce any of his permitted bench players. Among them was new signing Pablo Felipe, who stayed on the bench despite his club's complete failure to score. Nuno suggested it would have been "too harsh" to introduce the recently-arrived recruit into the fray. Yet, with goals at a shortage, the need to blood the 22-year-old rapidly is abundantly apparent.

7. Miley Makes A Further Big Statement

The 19-year-old delivered a further exceptional display while playing out of position. The midfielder was excellent in defence, provided the opening goal, and raised the tone in a stop-start affair. With specialist right-backs available, the question for manager the Newcastle boss is if to accommodate the astonishingly mature teenager in his natural midfield berth. "Next Newcastle teams will certainly be designed with Miley," seems an increasingly accurate prediction.

8. Is the New Manager Bounce Fading at The City Ground?

Sean Dyche's first impact at Forest was admirable, but questions are beginning to emerge about the team's plan B. Forest's counter-attacking ability exists, but seems diminished in the absence of previous personnel. Whilst well-organised when sitting back, they have been exposed when needing to open up. Cheap turnovers in those situations has been costly, a problem they must rectify quickly.

Igor Thiago's Hot Streak Halts Brentford's Travel Woes

The West London club delivered a performance that contradicted their dismal form on the road. Central to their commanding victory was the prolific streak of number nine the goal-getter. The striker's goals are providing a foundation for the side to aim higher. Winger Kevin Schade even suggested the lofty dream of continental football as a potential outcome, underlining the renewed confidence in the squad.

The Clarets